We may not be able to predict how the end of the world will come—zombie domination, the rapture, falling asteroids, or anything else you can imagine—but the following books will help you get ready. Some are old standbys, such as Gary Paulsen’s Hatchet, which offers a guide to wilderness survival, while others have the potential to become future classics. Make sure you’re ready for all the potential doom and gloom. Be prepared!
This Is Not a Test
SUMMERS, Courtney. This Is Not a Test. St. Martins Griffin, 2012. pap.$ 9.99. ISBN 9780312656744.
Gr 6 Up—This Is Not a Test is a zombie book, and so much more. Yes, zombies are attacking and students have been forced to seek refuge in the high school, but what will be the final outcome? Many like to imagine they will be the hero in this sort of situation, but what if you had no will to live in the first place? Sloane Price lost all interest in living six months ago, when her world was turned upside down. Is the thought that everyone might perish along with her enough to change her mind? Courtney Summers’s newest title will have you examining the social and emotional situations of fear, without all the gore of some zombie tales. This is already getting glowing reviews from readers, so make sure to add it to your survival kit.
Bear Grylls Man vs Wild
GRYLLS, Bear. Bear Grylls Man vs. Wild: Survival Techniques from the Most Dangerous Places on Earth. Hyperion, 2008. Tr. $26.99. ISBN 9781401322939. Ages 12 and up.
Gr 6 Up—Bear Grylls has put a variety of wilderness survival techniques together in a clear, illustrated format. He includes instructions on how to start a fire, navigate over mountains and down rivers, and even predict the weather by using animal signs. Did you know that biting insects become especially vicious right before a storm? Covering terrain around the world, this survival guide will ensure you can trek home again.
More books on surviving against all odds:
AGUIRRE, Ann. Enclave. Fiewel & Friends, 2011. Tr. $16.99. ISBN 9780312650087. Gr 6 Up.
BUTT, Ed. SOS: Stories of Survival. Tundra Books, 2007. pap. $14.95. ISBN 9780887767869. Gr 6 Up.
After
DATLOW, Ellen. After: Nineteen Stories of Apocalyspe and Dystopia. Hyperion, October 2012. Tr. $16.99. ISBN 9781423146193. Gr 6 Up.
KIRKMAN, Robert and Charlie Adlard (ill.) and Cliff Rathburn (ill). The Walking Dead (series). Image Comics, 2006. pap. $9.99. ISBN 9781582406725. Gr 10 Up.
20 Years Later
NEWMAN, E. J. 20 Years Later. Dystopia Press, 2011. Tr. $17.95. ISBN 9780984498123. Gr 8 Up.
NORTHROP, Michael. Trapped. Scholastic, 2012. pap. $9.99. ISBN 9780545210133. Gr 6 Up.
PIVEN, Joshua and David Borgenicht. The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook. Chronicle, 1999. pap. $14.95. ISBN 9780811825559. Gr 6 Up.
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About Dodie Ownes
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